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classic Southern banana pudding recipe - featured image

Classic Southern Banana Pudding Recipe 5-Ingredient Easy Dessert Your Family Will Crave

  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A simple, comforting Southern banana pudding made with just five ingredients: vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. This easy dessert is creamy, perfectly sweet, and layered with crunchy wafers and fresh bananas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 standard 11 oz (312g) box vanilla wafers
  • 4–5 medium ripe bananas (yellow with a few brown spots)
  • 2 packages (3.4 oz each, 96g total) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups (960ml) whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 cup (300g) sweetened condensed milk
  • Optional: whipped cream or Cool Whip for topping
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk (all 4 cups). If using vanilla extract, add it here. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and is smooth without lumps.
  2. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the pudding mixture and stir well to combine.
  3. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafers on the bottom.
  4. Add a layer of sliced bananas (about half), sliced 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Pour a third of the pudding over the bananas and wafers, spreading gently but thoroughly.
  6. Repeat layering: another layer of wafers, the remaining bananas, then the rest of the pudding on top.
  7. Finish with a final layer of vanilla wafers for crunch.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Before serving, add a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on each portion and optionally garnish with extra vanilla wafers.

Notes

Slice bananas just before layering to prevent browning or toss slices in lemon juice if prepping early. Use instant pudding mix for quick, smooth texture. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Save some wafers for topping to maintain crunch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe (a
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 40
  • Sodium: 210
  • Fat: 6
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Carbohydrates: 58
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 5

Keywords: banana pudding, southern dessert, easy dessert, vanilla wafers, instant pudding, family dessert, classic banana pudding

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Find it online: https://mealuv.com/classic-southern-banana-pudding-recipe-5-ingredient-easy-dessert-your-family-will-crave/